Co-author to share secrets of networking through “SKIRTWorking” in two southwest Michigan events

Connections and relationships are critical components to achieving business success. And while not everyone is comfortable in settings where there are opportunities to extend a handshake and meet new people, that doesn’t mean that the art and skill of this valuable tool can’t be learned.

Michelle Alberda, BBA’89, senior financial advisor and co-author of “SKIRTWorking” (Sharing Knowledge Information and Resources Together), will share her thoughts on how to make the most of networking by using SKIRT techniques developed specifically for women in two separate events in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

The SKIRT concept, created by the book’s co-authors, takes people and businesses to the next level through new ideas and connections with others. The book grew to be a No. 1 Bestseller in the Women and Business category on Amazon.com, and remains among the top-rated books on the bestseller list today.

Alberda teamed up with co-authors Michelle Balog and Stacey Fleece over seven years ago after they recognized a shared and unified interest in the desire to capitalize on the power of networking. The idea of SKIRTWorking evolved from their collective insight.

Details of the events are as follows:

Inforum Luncheon Event at Fetzer Center
The Haworth College of Business is hosting Alberda, who will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a luncheon at the WMU Fetzer Center on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The event is being held in conjunction with Inforum, Michigan’s leading network of professional women, dedicated to providing opportunities for women to lead and succeed.

The Fetzer Center is located on the campus of Western Michigan University at 2350 Business Court. Cost for the luncheon event is $30 for Inforum members and $45 for non-members or $350 per table of eight. Reservations are required by Oct. 5 and can be made through Inforum at: www.inforummichigan.org/events/skirtworking-michelle-alberda.

Reception in Grand Rapids
Also on Oct. 12, Alberda will speak at 6 p.m. at Noto’s Old World Dining, 6600 28th St. in Grand Rapids, Mich., at an event sponsored by the WMUFAMILY of Grand Rapids.

Reservations are also required for the evening event. Cost is $20 per person, which includes hor d’ouvres and keynote speaker. RSVP by Oct. 5 by calling 269.387.8746. Further information is available at: www.mywmu.com/events/women/index.html.

Autographed copies of the book will be available for sale following both events.